Stay and Play

Top 20 Things to Do & See This Summer

Published: July 08, 2013

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11—Build Sandcastles and Memories at Dickerson’s

Enjoy quality time together during a good old-fashioned “weekend at the lake” at Dickerson’s Lake Florida Resort, located about 100 miles west of Minneapolis in Spicer. Owners Bob and Connie Dickerson take great pride in running a clean, safe, family-oriented resort and it’s evident—through the pizza parties, hayrides, campfires, and Sunday morning homemade donut “mixers”—that they love what they do. Guests have complimentary use of hydrobikes, paddleboats, kayaks, bikes, and trikes. Little ones lovebuilding sandcastles along the pristine sandy beach; adults love the chance to “unplug” and reconnect. www.dickersonsresort.com

12—Learn to Rock Climb

From first-timers to veteran climbers, Vertical Endeavors— with locations in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth, and Warrenville, Ill.—offers something for every need, including climbing walls, bouldering, and top-roping with auto belays. The features are designed to help new climbers find theirfooting, and experienced climbers build their strength, balance, endurance, and coordination. In addition to a fun, supportive, and controlled indoor experience, Vertical Endeavors offers outdoor lessons and climbing trips tosome of the most beautiful areas in the country. verticalendeavors.com

13—Bike, Fish, Relax in Bemidji

Bemidji—located 226 miles north of the Twin Cities—is known for wildlife, forests, pristine lakes and rivers (excellent fishing), miles of paved trails (excellent biking), and being the first city along the 2,552-mile Mississippi River (walk across the headwaters at Itasca State Park). It’s also known as a vacation hotspot, with family-friendly resorts such as Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge, located on the sandy shore of Lake Bemidji. Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge is the perfect blend of North Woods solitude and outdoor recreation—fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, treasure hunts, basketball, and more! Stay in a lakefront suite, townhome, or cottage. www.visitbemidji.com • www.ruttger.com

14—Get Outside and Ride!

Minnesota has more paved bike trails than any other state in the country, with more trails opening every year. With so many different types of trails—through bustling cities and beside peaceful pastures, along scenic river bluffs and near unique attractions—it’s easy to see why some people call Minnesota “The Bike Friendly State.” If you don’t already own a bike, rent one for the day through Nice Ride, or a number of local bike shops and dealers. www.niceridemn.org • www.minnesotabiketrails.com/bikerentals

15—Rent a Kayak or Canoe

Picture this: Peacefully drifting across the water, the sun shining on your skin, the water lapping at your boat, no worries, no stress. If you don’t already own a kayak or canoe, you can rent one from Wild Mountain/Taylors Falls Recreation. Start out at Minnesota Interstate Park, then float downstream on the beautiful St. CroixRiver to Osceola Landing. You can even arrange to have a shuttle take you back to your vehicle. A one-way trip is $45+tax for two life jackets and two paddles, which seems pretty reasonable considering the fact that you’re paying for the experience. Locally, you can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboat (ranging from $12/hour for kayaks to $25/hour for double paddleboats) through Minneapolis Parks and Rec and take a fascinating journey throughout the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes with access to Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, and Brownie Lake. www.wildmountain.com • www.minneapolisparks.org

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